Clinton County: Gorges, Trails and Culture

Steep-sided gorges, viewpoints overlooking the river, and a long history of culture shape the different sides of Clinton County. You can experience the landscape on foot, on the water, or from a viewpoint. Museums, theaters, and festivals offer further options for your trip.

Landscapes and Viewpoints

Kettle Creek State Park covers 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County. It sits in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness. From May through October, the park offers a variety of programs. Ravensburg State Park offers a different landscape: Rauchtown Run has carved a steep-sided gorge there. A northern hardwood forest grows along the spring-fed stream. Castle Rocks are tall sandstone towers formed by erosion and are visible from the Mid State Trail.

From the viewpoint at Hyner View State Park, you can look upstream and downstream over the West Branch Susquehanna River and the surrounding mountains. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Hang gliders take off from the ramp at the viewpoint and soar over the river. The views and the flight activity offer different perspectives on the same river landscape.

Trails on Foot and on the Water

Four of the six construction phases of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail are currently complete, totaling just over six miles of trail. The project is intended to connect several communities within Clinton County. A connection to the Pine Creek Valley Rail Trail at its Jersey Shore trailhead is also planned. The overall goal is a scenic trail of about 11.7 miles for hiking and biking. This distinction matters when planning: the just-over-six miles refers to the completed phases, while the roughly 11.7 miles describes the planned project as a whole.

In Lock Haven, the 2.25-mile Lock Haven Levee Trail runs flat and paved along the levee. The trail offers views from Lock Haven University to Piper Memorial Airport. The 2.4-mile Lockport Loop Trail offers a different way to experience the river landscape: it is a paddling route on the calm, lake-like waters of the West Branch Susquehanna River above Grant Street Dam. The routes are similar in length but differ considerably in activity: a paved walking trail on one hand, a route on the water on the other.

The Wayne Township Nature Park Trail near McElhattan is an easy, family-friendly, year-round loop of 1.7 miles. It is suitable for hiking and has interpretive signs about the surrounding ecology. The Bloody Skillet ATV & Hiking Trail, by contrast, is a 44.6-mile loop for off-road riding and hiking; seasonal access rules may apply. It is worth checking these conditions in advance before visiting. Cold-water fishing for wild brown trout and native brook trout is available at Rauchtown Run and its tributaries.

History, Theater and Events

The Clinton County Historical Society shares the county’s history through free programs, special exhibits, community events, history camps, and programs for children. The Sugar Valley Historical Society Museum preserves more than 1,400 cataloged objects related to the history of Sugar Valley; it also has a genealogy and resource room. The Sugar Valley Historical Society welcomes visitors and groups by appointment only.

The Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival has a history spanning more than 75 years. Its program includes three full days featuring more than 150 artisans, exhibitors, food vendors, and rides. Events include the crowning of the festival queen, an arts and crafts show, a parade, and the Follies talent show. Theatergoers can visit the traditional summer theater Millbrook Playhouse, which has two stages: the Main Stage has 235 seats, and the Cabaret Theatre has 100. The Educational Theatre Program includes a spring play in mid-May and one or two summer productions between June and August. If you plan your trip around a performance or festival, check the relevant event dates.

Regional Culture and Local Fare

In southern Clinton County, Sugar Valley and Nittany Valley are home to a large Amish population. Amish-owned stores in the county offer fresh garden produce, handmade quilts, custom-made wooden furniture, and leather goods. A scenic drive runs from Route 64 through Mill Hall and Lamar, along Narrows Road beside Fishing Creek, and then on Route 880 to Loganton. The route passes farmland and mountains, as well as Amish produce stands and craft shops.

Wine and music are also themes of regional events. Wine in the Wilds began in 2015 at the Castanea Fairgrounds and later expanded to the Clinton County Fairgrounds. The offerings include wineries, wines, cider, brewery beverages, exhibitors, and live music. Together with the history programs and outdoor activities, these provide a range of reasons to visit, from trails and river landscapes to regional history, crafts, and events.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Mill Hall, Lock Haven, Renovo, Westport, Mercer, Lebanon, Lehigh, Dauphin.

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